Press release that just arrived in my mailbox:

Mike S


" Ingolstadt, 18 December 2006


Audi signs Lucas Luhr and Mike Rockenfeller

German youngsters compete for Audi in the 2007 DTM Involvement also in the R10 TDI project
Lucas Luhr (27) and Mike Rockenfeller (23) will strengthen the Audi driver squad in both the DTM and in sportscar events with the revolutionary Audi R10 TDI Diesel sportscar during the forthcoming 2007 motorsport season.

Both Germans are products of the Porsche "Star of Tomorrow" scheme. Lucas Luhr made his breakthrough in 1999 after winning the Porsche Carrera Cup. In the following seven years, the youngster from Koblenz developed into one of the world's best sportscar drivers.

Mike Rockenfeller is of one Germany's greatest future talents. In spite of his young age, the new Audi factory driver from Neuwied can already look back on an impressive career. He also won the 2004 Porsche Carrera Cup - at the age of 20, the youngest driver ever. Numerous victories followed in sportscar races around the world.

In 2007, Lucas Luhr and Mike Rockenfeller will make their debut in the DTM, the most popular international Touring Car series. Both youngsters have not only been signed by Audi with a view to the DTM. "It is important to us that our drivers can also make a valuable contribution to the sportscar project with the Audi R10 TDI," stresses Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "Lucas and Mike can do this. I'm convinced that they are a strong addition to our driver line-up and will fit in at Audi very well."


Lucas Luhr strengthens Audi driver squad

German Lucas Luhr will strengthen the Audi driver squad in both the DTM and in sportscar events with the revolutionary Audi R10 TDI Diesel sportscar during the forthcoming 2007 motorsport season.

The 27-year old is a product of the Porsche "star of tomorrow" scheme. He made his breakthrough in 1999 after winning the Porsche Carrera Cup. In the following seven years, the youngster from Koblenz developed into one of the world's best sportscar drivers. In 2002 and 2003, he won the GT title in the American Le Mans Series, and the LM P2 championship in 2006. The Monaco-based German is one of the most successful drivers in the US sportscar racing scene with 23 class wins to his credit. Furthermore, Luhr won the FIA GT Championship in 2004 and is record holder at the Sebring 12 Hours with five class victories. He has also already mounted the top step of the podium at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

"At Audi I finally get the chance to fight for overall victories," says Lucas Luhr. "I'm incredibly pleased about the DTM, the Audi R10 TDI and the opportunity to work with Audi Sport. It is a special honour for me to be able to drive for such a fascinating and successful marque like Audi."

"Lucas has shown over the last few years that he is just as fast at the wheel of a GT car as he is with a Le Mans Prototype," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "I'm convinced that he is a strong addition to our driver line-up and will fit in at Audi extremely well."


Audi signs young talent Mike Rockenfeller

Audi has succeeded in clinching the signature of one Germany's greatest future talents for its motorsport programme: 23-year-old Mike Rockenfeller celebrates his debut in the most popular international touring car race series with an Audi A4 DTM during the 2007 season.

In spite of his young age, the new Audi factory driver from Neuwied can already look back on an impressive career. In 2003 at the age of 19, Rockenfeller went down as the youngest driver to win a Porsche Supercup race, a Formula 1 supporting event. Rockenfeller won the Porsche Carrera Cup only one year later - again as youngest driver ever. With numerous victories, he was the dominating driver and the one to beat in the Porsche one make series. Many wins followed in sportscar races around the world, including class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Man, at Spa-Francorchamps and the overall victory in the N?rburgring 24 Hours.

"I've realised a dream by securing a factory contract with Audi," explains Mike Rockenfeller, who is known to his friends as "Rocky". "The DTM is a tremendous target and excellent alternative to Formula 1 for every young German racing driver."

The "star of tomorrow" has not only been signed by Audi with a view to the DTM. "It is important to us that our drivers can also make a valuable contribution to the sportscar project with the Audi R10 TDI," stresses Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "Mike has demonstrated impressively at the wheel of the LM P2 Porsche and in the GrandAm Series that he also possesses the necessary talent for this car."

 

I guess the next question is which current driver is out. Hope it wasn't McNish.

 

Two potential drivers out. No guessing, Maybe a third private car with factory drivers?

 

My guess would be Pirro retiring...should be an interesting season.

 

I like your guess. Although I like all the current drivers, I am Scottish, so I favor Alan staying.

 

and no one is as intense during a race like Alan....What I like about the Audi team ..they seem to drive with more skill and brains.

 

by the team car, who had made up a whole lap. Very inspired drive.